MINSK, June 4. /TASS/. Cooperation with the European Union is beneficial for Russia and Belarus but not at the expense of commitments undertaken within the Eurasian Economic Union, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said in a televised interview with the RTR-Belarus broadcaster on Saturday.

"Yes, perhaps the relations (with the EU - eds. TASS) are not getting through the best times. But the times will pass. They (relations) are beneficial both for Russia and Belarus. But certainly, not at the expense of those commitments that Russia and Belarus have undertaken within the framework of the United State and within the format of agreements signed within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union," Matviyenko said, pointing out that Moscow calmly viewed how the relations between Belarus and the EU were getting back to normal.

"Relations of Russia and Belarus within the framework of the United State and our cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union do not target anyone. They reflect our states’ interests. But it does not mean at all that Russia, Belarus or any other nations should limit themselves only within this framework," she said.

"We need to develop ties with other countries but under certain conditions. The relations will not be like between older and younger brothers but a mutually beneficial cooperation when our states’ interests are respected," the speaker of the Russian upper parliamentary house said.